For over five and a half decades, SOS has worked hand in hand with trusted partners across the labour movement, industry and co-operative sectors. Together, these longstanding collaborations have strengthened seafarers’ welfare, advanced workers’ interests and contributed to a resilient maritime community.
National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)
Our Labour Movement Partner
- SOS was formed and officially registered in 1971 to represent Singapore’s seafarers.
- Advanced fair employment and harmonious industrial relations through the tripartite model.
- Worked hand-in-hand to safeguard jobs during industry downturns while investing in skills upgrading and lifelong employability.
- Co-founded Seacare Co-operative in 1994 to provide long-term employment opportunities and welfare support for seafarers and their families.
“NTUC will continue to work closely with SOS, to support workers through our AI-Ready SG initiative and equip them with the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing world of work. As you celebrate this milestone, I wish all SOS leaders and members continued success as we work together to build a future-ready maritime workforce. Happy 55th Anniversary, SOS!” – Ng Chee Meng, Secretary General of NTUC
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Driving seafarer welfare together
- Partnered on welfare initiatives for international seafarers calling at Singapore.
- Together with SMOU, SOS and MPA established the Singapore Stranded Seafarers Fund to assist abandoned seafarers in 1999.
- Collaborated extensively during Covid-19 on:
• Seafarers Relief Package
• Safe crew change initiatives
• CrewSafe audits
• Holding facilities at Seacare Hotel - Jointly supports annual Day of the Seafarer
appreciation activities and ship visits.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to SOS on your 55th anniversary. SOS has been an
important and steadfast partner for MPA. You have played a key role in supporting the welfare
and interests of seafarers, whose dedication underpins Singapore’s maritime success.” – Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA
SG-STAR Fund Taskforce to facilitate safe crew changes in 2020
Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)
Supporting a competitive maritime sector
- Works alongside SOS on workforce development and industry initiatives.
- Partnered during the pandemic through the SG-STAR Fund Taskforce to facilitate safe crew changes.
- Continues to strengthen Singapore’s position as a trusted international maritime hub.
“Our partnership has been based on a shared commitment to supporting the seafarers, as well as strengthening the Singapore maritime ecosystem… We wish you continued success and many more years of positive service to the maritime community.” – Teo Teng Seng, President of SSA
Singapore Maritime Employers Federation (SMEF)
Building positive industrial relations
- Together with MPA and SMOU, SOS and SMEF formed an Industry Collaboration Training
Committee (CTC) to help workers future-proof their skills. - Supports stable labour management relations across Singapore’s shipping industry.
“For 55 years, SOS has been a trusted partner in advancing the welfare of seafarers and strengthening Singapore’s maritime industry through the spirit of tribalism and our dedication and commitment. We wish SOS continued success as you inspire and serve many more generations of seafarers.” – Capt Lee Chee Seong, Chairman of SMEF
Co-organised charity golf for Singapore Stranded Seafarers Fund in 1999
Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU)
One maritime community, one shared mission
Long-standing collaborations include:
- Campaign to remove Singapore from the Flag of Convenience (FOC) list
- Singapore Stranded Seafarers Fund in 1999
- Asian Seafarers Conferences
- Joint advocacy for improved welfare and maritime manpower development
“Over the years, SOS has also played an important role in advancing Singapore’s maritime industry. This includes supporting crew changes during the Covid-19 pandemic and providing accommodation for seafarers in transit through your Seacare Hotel. A remarkable feat during a challenging period.” – Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU
Labour Movement and Maritime Partners
SOS has built strong partnerships across the tripartite ecosystem with NTWU, POU, SPWU and SNCF, working together to champion seafarers’ welfare, strengthen worker support and shape the future of the maritime workforce.
“Though we represent workers on land and at sea, we share the same commitment to advancing workers’ welfare and dignity. NTWU values our strong brotherhood in the International Transport Workers’ Federation family and wish SOS many more years of success and dedicated service to seafarers!” – Mak Mun Whai General Secretary of NTWU
“For over five decades, SOS has been a steadfast champion of seafarers, protecting their interests while advancing their welfare and development. Through initiatives like Seacare and your commitment to serving the wider community, you have also exemplified the co-operative spirit of caring for people and creating lasting impact.
Congratulations on this remarkable milestone. We wish SOS continued success as you inspire and serve generations of seafarers to come.” – Tng Ah Yiam, Chairperson of SNCF
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